British low-cost airline easyJet said today it had reached agreement with European planemaker Airbus to exercise options for 35 Airbus A319 aircraft for delivery during 2011 and 2012.
Industry sources had said last week that the order for the single-aisle aircraft was worth around $2.4 billion (€1.78 billion) at list prices, though easyJet said today the deal was subject to substantial price concessions.
"This major new aircraft order supports our continuing growth making us one of Europe's largest airlines," chief executive Andy Harrison said in a statement.
EasyJet said the A319 is one of the most environmentally efficient aircraft available, being around 15 per cent more efficient per seat than the Boeing 737-300 aircraft it replaced. The airline said the total size of its order with Airbus, including options, is 315 aircraft, of which 105 have so far been delivered.
EasyJet said the latest order means it now has 122 aircraft on firm order with Airbus, with a list price of over $7 billion (€5.2 billion). Shares in easyJet closed at 525-1/2 pence last Friday, valuing the company at about £2.2 billion (€3.27 billion).